Jeremy Corbyn Christmas card mocked for lack of festive spirit

But at least it featured snow, unlike David Cameron's Christmas card of him and his wife posing outside Number 10 in May

Jeremy Corbyn sent his card out by email (PA)

Jeremy Corbyn has sent out his first Christmas card as Labour leader, but just like anything he says or does at the moment, he immediately faced a backlash.

The photo - showing a snow-covered bike locked to a bike rack in front of a red telephone box - was widely ridiculed for its lack of Christmas spirit and its austere appearance.

One member of Corbyn's Shadow Cabinet reacted to being shown the card by saying: "What the f***?" but added that they were relieved it wasn't a picture of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha and Chairman Mao sitting around a Christmas tree.

The card was immediately mocked on Twitter:

Some said it sent out just the message his critics wanted to say to him: 'on your bike' - while others said the red light sent out warning signs about his leadership.

But John Woodcock, one of Corbyn's most outspoken critics in the party, offered a surprise endorsement of the card. "I think it's a lovely card. I wonder whether I'm still on his list," he said.

And PR experts pointed out that an image of a double-locked bike sent out a strong message to combat all the criticism of Corbyn as soft on national security:

Corbyn's card is not the only card to lack a festive spirit - David Cameron's Christmas card features the image of him and Samantha Cameron outside Number 10 celebrating May's General Election victory:

David Cameron's Christmas card is a picture of him and his wife standing outside Number 10 after May's General Election

And those questioning Corbyn's commitment to celebrating Christmas must be reminded of the time he once appeared live on TV with a plate of mince pies and dressed as Santa:

This is the original photo: